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“Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”
Near Rockdale in Milam County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
 

Apache Pass River Crossing

 
 
Apache Pass River Crossing Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Gregory Walker, June 10, 2015
1. Apache Pass River Crossing Marker
Inscription. The crossing over the San Xavier (San Gabriel) River in Milam county has been used as a passageway for centuries. Evidence shows that the area has been inhabited by humans for at least 10,000 years. During the eighteenth century, the land was inhabited by numerous native American tribes, including the Apaches. Tribes relied heavily on the plentiful water supply for agriculture and hunting. In the mid-1700's Spanish explorers saw the Apache Pass as a practical location for missions because of "the fact that there were several wide valleys suitable for irrigation...plenty of wood, a lot of stone..." Even though the Apaches made it clear they did not wish for the missions to be built in this area, the Spanish selected Apache Pass as the most desirable location.

The gravel bar across the river made it easily accessible by horseback or wagon. Three missions and a presidio were built in the area surrounding Apache Pass and were utilized between 1746 and 1757. Because of this, Apache Pass became a hub for Spanish explorers and settlers. After the missions were closed, the area continued to attract pioneers building homes on both sides of the river because of its fertile soil and fresh water supply. In 1913, a bridge was built across the river and traffic transferred to it. During restoration of the bridge, travelers were, again, using
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the gravel bar to traverse the river. In 2004, the United States Congress authorized the designation of a historic trail in Texas. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail was recognized and the Apache Pass river crossing became a part of it as well as the National Register of Historic Places.
 
Erected 2012 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17269.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: ExplorationNative AmericansRoads & VehiclesSettlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1746.
 
Location. 30° 41.394′ N, 97° 8.232′ W. Marker is near Rockdale, Texas, in Milam County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Farm to Market Road 908 and County Road 428, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in turn-out to right of entrance of Apache Pass county park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9112 N FM 908, Rockdale TX 76567, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of the Mission Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (approx. one mile away); Site of Mission San Francisco Xavier de Los Dolores (approx. 1.4 miles away); Site of the Mission San Ildefonso
Apache Pass County Park with marker to the right. image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Gregory Walker, June 10, 2015
2. Apache Pass County Park with marker to the right.
(approx. 2.8 miles away); Locklin Cemetery (approx. 3.2 miles away); San Gabriel Christian Church (approx. 3.6 miles away); Sharp Cemetery (approx. 4.1 miles away); William Persky (approx. 4.2 miles away); Sharp (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockdale.
 
Also see . . .
1. Brochure on Camino Real de los Tejas by Texas Dept of Transportation (PDF). (Submitted on June 24, 2015, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas.)
2. Old San Antonio Road (Camino Real) article in Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on June 24, 2015, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas.)
 
Additional sign at entrance to Apache Pass County Park image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Gregory Walker, June 10, 2015
3. Additional sign at entrance to Apache Pass County Park
Pedistrian suspension bridge across the river at Apache Pass River Crossing image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Gregory Walker, June 10, 2015
4. Pedistrian suspension bridge across the river at Apache Pass River Crossing
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2015, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on June 29, 2015, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 24, 2015, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.

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Mar. 29, 2024